Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1194291
B M & T ••• September/October 2019 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 10 T he Welcome banner for the 2019 Power Networking Conference (PNC) in Houston, ushered over 1,000 attendees into a magic carpet ride of workshops, exhibitor presentations, Power talks, networking practice sessions, gourmet meal award cere- monies, late night coaching and networking sessions and a jubilant Wakanda experience closing. I was happy that I received a draft of the daily program before arriving at the Hilton Americas hotel, June 26 for the bonus day that launched three days of sessions flowing from 7 am through midnight (June 27-29). It does one's body and brain well to get some extra exercise and sleep before coming to this event whose faculty include not only the Founder and Host, Dr. George C. Frazer, but power-charged financial experts, dignitaries, speakers, networking gurus and super coaches. Daymond John," The People's Shark" served as the Power Guest Speaker and rallied the full auditorium to its feet numerous times with stories seldom shared. He highlighted ways he transformed a $40 budget into the $6 Billion FUBU brand and continued to mentor others via ABC's Shark Tank, and as President-Obama's Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship. He shocked everyone by offering an 80% discount on his business development program to attendees who readily purchased it while he was onstage. Throughout the conference people had opportunities to hear presentations by three dignitaries who authentically communicat- ed the business opportunities open to people of the African dias- pora living in the US and extended a heartfelt welcome for them to "return home." The dignitaries were Dr. Barfuor Adjei Barwuah, currently Ghana's Ambassador to the USA: Ms. Arikana Chihomboro-Quao, The African Union Ambassador to the USA; and Dr. Sylvanus Adiewere Nsofor, The Nigerian Ambassador to the USA. They mingled with people in the grand auditorium and banquet hall, which made it possible for many to speak with them. Their presence throughout helped enable a conference goal of increasing Black people's vision of the global scope of business opportunities, especially within Africa. My goals for attending PNC for the first time in five years were to expand my entrepreneurial thinking; review and practice the Power Network Networking Protocols and make at least four contacts whose BY CHARLOTTE SISTA C FERRELL P N C 2 0 1 9 – MORE THAN I IMAGINED Conference Speaker Linda Clemons won Phenomenal Woman Award George Fraser Announces Fraser Nation